FAQs

What is the 40 West ArtLine?

The 40 West ArtLine is a 4-mile walking and biking arts experience in the heart of the State-Certified 40 West Arts Creative District near historic West Colfax Avenue and the RTD W Line in Lakewood, Colorado. This free outdoor gallery experience follows sidewalks, bike and park paths, and local streets and can be visited in sections or in its entirety. Supported by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the ArtLine launched in 2018 after years of planning, and is envisioned to eventually become the longest continuous arts experience in Colorado.

Where did the 40 West ArtLine idea originate?

Through a community planning process that started in 2011 and resulted in the creation of the 40 West Arts District Urban Design and Mobility Concepts Plan. Similar to the red line of the Boston Freedom Trail, the community envisioned a green painted path on the ground to connect the three main parks in the area with transit, historic neighborhoods, local businesses, and 40 West Arts District amenities, and to beautify the area through public art and creative placemaking. A follow-up document, The 40 West Placemaking Implementation Plan, was created to help inspire ideas.

How do I experience the 40 West ArtLine and where exactly is it?

No matter how you arrive, there are many ways to experience the ArtLine! Whether you live in an adjacent neighborhood, or you take the A Line to the W Line to the ArtLine….just look for the green line along West Colfax in Lakewood, Colorado and meander along it! Enjoy all the public art, creative businesses, and local character along the way. If you need more inspiration or guidance, or the specific route information, check out some mini-tour ideas and the route map here.

How many pieces of public art are on the 40 West ArtLine, who are the artists, and how was the art selected?

Over 70 permanent and temporary public art installations are located along the 40 West ArtLine. The art and artists were selected by a volunteer art selection panel and volunteer ArtLine Champions through a highly competitive call for art and invitational art process between winter 2017 and spring 2018. Nearly two dozen artists and galleries/art co-ops were hired to create and install the ArtLine art, with community volunteers assisting with a number of the installations.

Will more art be installed on the 40 West ArtLine and how will it be selected?

Absolutely! The community envisions the ArtLine to be a dynamic, evolving experience – and that means new temporary and permanent art will continue to be added along the route in the future.

I’m an artist. How can I find out when there are calls for art?

Thank you for your interest! Please follow us on Facebook or Instagram for updates. All calls in the district can be found on the 40 West Arts website. You can also email us at info@40WestArtLine.org with inquiries.

I own property along the 40 West ArtLine and would like to enhance my property with public art. Who can I contact?

Thank you for your interest! Please email us at info@40WestArtLine.org with inquiries.

How is the 40 West ArtLine funded?

A highly competitive and prestigious Our Town Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts helped launch the ArtLine, with matching resources from numerous community partners including 40 West Arts, Lakewood – West Colfax Business Improvement District, West Colfax Community Association, Metro West Housing Solutions, Jefferson County Public Health and the City of Lakewood.

How does the 40 West ArtLine benefit Lakewood?

Our vision is that the ArtLine will:

Become recognized as a unique recreational amenity for the residents in the neighborhoods adjacent to West Colfax Avenue as it creates new opportunities for walking and biking in the area
Beautify the neighborhoods through public art and creative placemaking initiatives that are done in collaboration with the community
Be a destination where visitors and tourists can experience the State-Certified 40 West Arts District and the unique amenities in the area
Support the local and creative businesses in the area by creating a unique marketing opportunity and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle access to local businesses
Continue to support the energy and momentum along the historic West Colfax Avenue corridor and W Line light rail